Media statement
For immediate release
Thursday, 26 July 2007

Dunne warns of 'new McCarthyism'

United Future leader Peter Dunne is questioning the role of the Auditor-General in suggesting that Government departments should hold a register of public servants' political and personal circumstances.

"This is heading in the direction of a new McCarthyism where public servants are employed on the basis of what they believe or who they live with, rather than their competence or expertise.

"Under the Public Audit Act 2001, the Auditor-General may inquire into any matter relating to a public entity's use of its resources – but the State Services Commission, which ultimately employs public servants, is not listed in the Act as a public entity.

"Now it appears the Environment Ministry, in the wake of the Madeleine Setchell affair, is proposing setting up such a register, based on the Auditor-General's recommendation.

"It seems to me the Auditor-General has stepped outside his remit and Parliament should move swiftly to stamp on this anti-democratic idea," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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